Disconnect Drive shaft

[bombtech]

I'm trying to disconnect my drive shaft on my 98 Sportster 1800 with dual 720s so that i can align my engines that I just replaced. I know there's supposed to be a C clip somewhere but I can't seem to find it. I'm trying to be patient but I'm fearing that I'm going to damage one of these $20 rubber boots. Any help?

 

[lilngineer]

If the 720 is like the 787, there should be a machined aluminum collar (floating ring) in front of the boot with clamps. You have the push the ring away from the PTO and towards the pump to expose the ring clip.

Mine was a PITA to free up. Once exposed, pry the clip off but be careful not to let the clip fly off.

 

[bombtech]

Thanks, that's just the answer I was looking for!

If the 720 is like the 787, there should be a machined aluminum collar (floating ring) in front of the boot with clamps. You have the push the ring away from the PTO and towards the pump to expose the ring clip.

Mine was a PITA to free up. Once exposed, pry the clip off but be careful not to let the clip fly off.

 

[bombtech]

I tried this last night with no luck. How did you finally get it? Mine seems to be rusted sollid and I don't have much room to swing a hammer in there unless I remove the new engines that I just installed!

If the 720 is like the 787, there should be a machined aluminum collar (floating ring) in front of the boot with clamps. You have the push the ring away from the PTO and towards the pump to expose the ring clip.

Mine was a PITA to free up. Once exposed, pry the clip off but be careful not to let the clip fly off.

 

[kustomkarl]

Spray some PB Blaster on them to help loosen them up a bit.

Karl

 

[lilngineer]

I had to damage my floating ring to free it from the clip. I cuts slits in it with a cutoff wheel and pry'd it off the ring.

The dealer uses a special forked tool braced off of the PTO to slide it back

 

[bombtech]

I can't get it. I'm just breaking things at this point and decided to stop before I do do much $$ damage.

I had to damage my floating ring to free it from the clip. I cuts slits in it with a cutoff wheel and pry'd it off the ring.

The dealer uses a special forked tool braced off of the PTO to slide it back

 

[lilngineer]

I'm sorry for your troubles. I am not sure how to help other than say approach it with patience.

The ring clip sits in a channel under the part of the floating ring that is closest to the PTO. It really doesn't have to move that far.

If your pump is still together, try bolting it back to the hull to take the movement out of the shaft to free the floating ring. Trying to push it back with the pump out probably is just sliding the whole shaft back and compressing the boot.

Also, look at an auto parts for a ball joint separator tool. It may help.